Why is the marriage rate so low in Korea?

Why is it that so few people are getting married in Korea these days? It’s heartbreaking, really. I mean, I remember my grandma telling stories about arranged marriages, and while that sounds awful, things seem just as complicated now, only differently. It’s not like people don’t want love, or families, it’s just… so much harder.

The thing is, Korean society, well, it’s changed, hasn’t it? Like, drastically. My aunt, for example, she’s a doctor – brilliant woman, works crazy hours. Where’s she supposed to find the time for a serious relationship, let alone marriage and kids? The pressure to succeed, academically and then career-wise, is just insane. It’s almost like they’re told, “Pick one: a fulfilling career or a family,” which is completely unfair.

And the traditional gender roles? Don’t even get me started. I have a friend who’s a lawyer, totally kicking butt at her job, and her parents are still subtly (sometimes not so subtly!) pushing her to, you know, find a nice husband and settle down. As if being a successful lawyer isn’t enough! Like, she’s already defying expectations, why should she feel pressured to fit into some outdated mold?

Plus, the cost of living! Having a family in Seoul is ridiculously expensive. I saw a news report the other day – something about how the average wedding costs more than a down payment on an apartment. Seriously? Who can afford that? It’s a massive barrier, isn’t it? It makes me wonder how many people are postponing marriage because of financial worries.

So yeah, it’s a whole bunch of things, I think. It’s not just one single reason. It’s a perfect storm of changing cultural norms, crushing pressure to succeed, outdated expectations, and sky-high living costs. It’s pretty sad, actually, because it feels like something precious is being lost. A whole generation possibly missing out on what my grandma always called “the greatest joy in the world.” But hey, maybe things will change. Maybe, someday.